- Upward and downward cutting models available
- Accurate selective dredging at flat bottom profile
- Constant feed rate to mining treatment plants
- Built-in root cutter
- Larger debris cannot enter the wheel
- Reduced risk of large clay ball formation
- High mixture density
- High production and low spillage
- Equal production in both directions of swing
- Low operating costs
Dredging wheels can be used for different soil types, from peat and clay to sand and soft rock. The buckets can be fitted with either smooth cutting edges or replaceable teeth of the pick point, chisel point or flared point variety. These replaceable teeth are the same as those used on cutter heads.
The dredging wheel head essentially consists of a hub and a ring connected by bottomless buckets which excavate the soil. The scraper of the suction mouth penetrates into the bottomless buckets, and guides the mixture flow towards the suction opening, which is in direct contact with the buckets. The scraper completely prevents clogging of the buckets. As the buckets, suction mouth and scraper are oriented in the same plane, the mixture flow is very smooth.
Depending on the power required, the drive mechanism can consist of one single hydraulic motor mounted in a steel housing or can be a gearbox with several hydraulic drives. For special purposes electric drives may also be used. The gearboxes used on the dredging wheel heads are designed specifically for the purpose since they are required to transfer all loads from the wheel head(with bearings on one side only) to the ladder. The gearbox and the bearings are designed for optimal lifetime. The special sealing arrangement protects the power train from wear and damage caused by the ingress of soil. Dredging wheel heads are supplied as complete units, including drive and ladder adapter. They can be used on standard and customised wheel dredgers, or as replacements for cutter or wheel installations on existing dredgers.